General (see below for Courtelle Knitwear and knitwear with a cotton content)

Garment Care

We take great care to use quality fabrics for all our ranges. We are well aware of the importance of good quality cloth as well as manufacture which is why we source responsibly with the criteria including that items are fit for the purpose intended. In many cases, garments and fabrics are tested under carefully monitored conditions in accordance with internationally recognised standards and wash tests are undertaken to check the serviceability and longevity of garments.

Storage

Garments should be hung with space around them so they do not get creased or squashed. To keep garments in shape we advise to use a hangar suitable for that particular garment.

Stains

If a stain occurs it is important to tackle it before it dries. Ideally remove any excess stain, but do not attempt to remove the stain unless you are competent to do so. Depending on the type of stain, some stain removers may be effective, but please test on a small inconspicuous area first. Dry cleaners are experts at stain removal, but it would help them to know what the stain is in order to attempt the best remedy.

Laundering

Sweatshirts, Knitwear and garments containing Acrylic

Please read and note the wash-care symbols on the garment label. Wash either without other garments in the water or only wash with those of very similar shade in order to avoid shedding colour to lighter-shade clothes.

The wash cycle should be set to within a cool temperature range, and with a short spin. Use only the minimum amount of detergent powder which should not contain any bleach. Beware of bio-powders and do not use too much of concentrated powders or liquids.

Do not iron unless advised on the garment label. In the case of acrylic, direct heat causes it to relax and stretch and eventually to become brittle which drastically reduces the wear. Ironing will damage the print on a garment.

After washing, smooth the garment into shape and lay it flat to dry.

AVOID:

Ironing (if the garment is non-iron)

Tumble drying

Over-hot washing

Ironing over print area

Wearing sleeves too long

Drying over a convector heater

Always refer to the care label before proceeding, and ensure the care label instructions are adhered to. Only wash garments that have care labels which show they can be hand or machine washed. If hand or machine washing we advise to use colour-friendly detergents to maximise the colour life of your garment. Always wash dark colours separately. Please note that the use of fabric softeners and conditioners may prove detrimental to the performance of some garments.

Courtelle Knitwear Care Advice

Washing

Care:

√ 40 degree or less
√ Wash inside out
× No fabric conditioner

We recommend washing your Courtelle garment on a gentle-action 40 degree cycle (synthetics) with non-biological or Colour Care detergent, without fabric softener. Please consider the environment and wash at 30 degrees whenever possible. Garments should be washed inside out to minimise pilling on the outside, and with garments of similar fabric and weight. Washing at a higher temperature than recommended will cause ‘stretching’ in width and ‘shrinkage’ in length.

To keep your Courtelle garment looking its best we advise to air-dry flat or cool tumble-dry, but do not mix with heavier-weight or abrasive garments, which will exacerbate pilling. Garments should be removed from the machine as soon as possible to avoid creasing.

Never hang dry or radiator dry your knitwear this will mark or heat-damage your knitwear.

Ironing

Care:

× Never iron your knitwear

Under no circumstances must Courtelle garments be ironed. Acrylic fibre has a low melting point to heat and ironing on a high setting melts the acrylic fibres causing them to relax and stretch out, leaving the garment with a limp and baggy handle and often a ‘shiny’ appearance, giving irreversible damage to your garment. Acrylic garments that have been ironed on a cooler setting are harder to recognise, but often show areas of flattened or distorted knit lines. Ironing also ‘crimps’ the fibres causing them to entangle more readily on the surface to form pills.

Pilling can be defined as the entangling of fibres during washing, cleaning, or general use to form balls or pills which stand proud of the surface of a fabric. Many factors can determine the pilling rate of a fabric / garment starting with the fibre type, blend composition, yarn thickness and twist level, knitting construction, and density as well as, most importantly, the end use.

Pilling is to be expected with all knitwear and is not considered to be a ‘manufacturing fault’, indeed to a certain extent it is quite normal and will settle over time, once all loose fibres have disappeared. In the meantime, it is up to the consumer to keep their product looking new by removing pills with a de-fuzzing razor, a de-pilling comb or even by hand.

√ 40 degree or less
√ Wash inside out
× No fabric conditioner
× Do not Bleach

We recommend washing your garment on a gentle-action 40 degree cycle (synthetics) with non-biological or Colour Care detergent, without fabric softener. Please consider the environment and wash at 30 degrees whenever possible. Garments should be washed inside out to minimise pilling on the outside, and with garments of similar fabric and weight. Washing at a higher temperature than recommended will cause ‘stretching’ in width and ‘shrinkage’ in length.

Drying Care:

√ Pull to shape whilst damp, dry Flat
× Do not Tumble Dry

To keep your Courtelle garment looking its best we advise to air-dry flat. Garments should be removed from the machine as soon as possible to avoid creasing.

Never hang dry or radiator dry your knitwear this will mark or heat-damage your knitwear.

Ironing

Care:

√ Iron on a LOW setting

Pilling

Care:

√ Wash inside-out
× Avoid excessive abrasion of your garment

Pilling can be defined as the entangling of fibres during washing, cleaning, or general use to form balls or pills which stand proud of the surface of a fabric. Many factors can determine the pilling rate of a fabric / garment starting with the fibre type, blend composition, yarn thickness and twist level, knitting construction, and density as well as, most importantly, the end use.